Cece Villa

Goalkeeper for UNL women’s soccer team
Years playing: 19

What is your current position on the team?

I play goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team at UNL.

What sparked your interest in athletics?

Growing up, I was always watching my siblings play sports and going to their club and high school competitions. My parents always said I copied them and would practice whatever sport they were doing. I know that is where I started as many sports as I could from a young age. Trying them all out and learning which ones I liked and which one I loved.

Who are the women in athletics that have influenced you the most?

I grew up watching the Olympics every year it was happening and absolutely loved Shawn Johnson. I am from Des Moines originally and got to meet her which made her an amazing role model and influence on me when I was younger. I looked up to her as a person and as an athlete.

What advice would you give to young women entering athletics?

You are amazing. Keep driving, keep working, and keep kicking butt. Don’t let anybody determine your ability or worth in or out of sport. Build that strong foundation and find your support system to be strong in yourself. GO GET YOUR DREAMS!

How have you seen the role of women in athletics evolve?

Being a collegiate athlete during the last few years has been a privilege and an amazing chair to the progression of media coverage, growing fan bases, resources for female collegiate athletes, professional athletes, and all the levels before that. The WNBA (basketball), NWSL (soccer), PWHL (hockey), WER (rugby) and so many more being able to grow and spread throughout the United States and have platforms has been so exciting and encouraging. Even the Paris Olympics reaching full gender parity was a massive step for women’s sports.

What is one of your favorite moments or career highlights?

I have loved being able to create such a community in a new state and a new university. Being able to join a team that prioritizes the community so much has helped me in my time at Nebraska. Going to different schools and reading to kids, talking to the kids about my life as a student athlete and what it takes to get there, or helping hand out candy at Boo at the Zoo. There have been so many opportunities through our athletic department to create that community and be a true part of the Lincoln community, and I have truly loved that.

Is there a uniform, award or object in sports that holds special meaning for you?

Receiving the Sam Foltz leadership award this last spring was one of the most amazing feelings and achievements in my career. It is an award based on leadership and involvement outside of sports in your community. Being able to impact my community in a positive way has been a huge part of who I am throughout my whole life. Being able to use my platform as a Nebraska athlete and be someone this Lincoln community can look up to has been a huge honor.